European populism and anti-gender narratives

Across Europe, democratic institutions are facing increasing pressure from illiberal populism, with gender equality emerging as a key political battleground. Narratives opposing so-called “gender ideology” – often framed around traditional values, nationalism and moral panic – have moved from the political margins into mainstream debates, shaping legislation, public discourse and policy outcomes both within the European Union and in neighbouring countries.

This expert meeting will present and discuss an upcoming policy study examining the intersection of populism and anti-gender mobilisation through a European lens, with North Macedonia serving as a revealing case study linking the topic to the EU’s enlargement agenda. Situated in the context of an EU candidate country, developments in North Macedonia mirror trends observed across several EU Member States, highlighting the transnational nature of anti-gender movements and the circulation of shared narratives across borders.

The discussion will explore how anti-rights actors across Europe use “gender ideology” as a unifying frame that challenges gender mainstreaming, erodes democratic norms, and undermines the EU’s fundamental values. Particular attention will be given to the implications for EU enlargement, where commitments to non-discrimination, gender equality and equal opportunities are core components of the EU acquis and key benchmarks in the accession process.

By linking internal EU developments to enlargement dynamics, the roundtable will reflect on what North Macedonia’s experience reveals about democratic vulnerabilities in transition contexts and within the Union itself. Another focus will be on the specific situation for youth and the LGBTQIA+ community in the EU and the local context.

The conversation will then focus on possible policy responses, including how gender equality can be more firmly embedded in the EU’s post-2025 Gender Equality Strategy, rule-of-law frameworks and enlargement instruments.

The event, organised by FEPS in cooperation with its partners Progres – Institute for Social Democracy and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Skopje, will gather policymakers, researchers, civil society representatives and political actors from across Europe to exchange perspectives and identify concrete next steps. Through working sessions, participants will seek to translate the study’s findings into a short-term roadmap for coordinated policy and advocacy actions at local, national, and European levels.

For more information regarding the project and this publication, please do not hesitate to contact Julia Wild, Project Officer, FEPS (julia.wild@feps-europe.eu) and Ania Skrzypek, Director for Research and Training, FEPS, (ania.skrzypek@feps-europe.eu).